6 Surprising Benefits Of Zucchini

Zucchini or courgette is a summer squash which can reach nearly a meter in length but is usually harvested immature at 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches). The shape of this small summer squash resembles that of a ridged cucumber and features numerous seeds. It is also available on the market in yellow, light green or green colors. Both raw and cooked, zucchini offers numerous nutrients. As a garden vegetable, it’s easy to grow. Widely available in markets of all kinds, it’s usually inexpensive. And as a kitchen staple, it’s quite versatile. This succulent squash can for sure do great things for your health. Now let’s talk about the health benefits of zucchini.

1. Helps Promote Eye Health. Zucchini is high in lutein, a vitamin related to vitamin A. Lutein is thought to help with vision because it acts as a light filter in the eyes and may help to protect them from damage. Some believe that dietary lutein can help you to avoid or postpone the development of cataracts or macular degeneration. If you’re eating zucchini for eye health, it may help to eat it alongside high-fat foods, because these help lutein to absorb better.

2. Helps to Lose Weight. You might be amazed to know that consuming zucchini will aid you to shed extra pounds considerably. Zucchini is extremely low in calories, but it gives you the feeling of being full. Therefore, zucchini is a great way to satisfy your appetite without grabbing calories and starting a crash diet plan. Apart from the low-calorie count, zucchini has a high water content and is rich in fiber. Hence, when you eat zucchini, your stomach is not empty, thereby making zucchini recipes perfect if you are on diet.

3. Improves Heart Health. Zucchini is low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat, and helps maintain a balance of carbohydrates – a requirement for optimum heart health. Another reason zucchini works great for the heart is the presence of fiber. High intakes of fiber have been associated with significantly lower risks of developing stroke, hypertension, and heart disease. This summer squash is also rich in folate, and as per a Chinese study, folate intake is inversely associated with heart disease risk. The fact that it is rich in other nutrients like potassium and magnesium makes zucchini a superfood for the heart. Research has stated that deficiencies in the two nutrients can be directly linked to heart failure.

4. Guards Against Asthma and Strengthens Teeth And Bones. Because Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C, it is considered a good food for fighting asthma. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, plays a huge role in keeping the immune systems healthy and fighting respiratory problems. The anti-inflammatory properties help keep the lungs open and clear. Zucchini also contains calcium that helps the nervous system to function properly and gives strength to the bones and teeth.

5. May Improve Brain Function. A few components of zucchini like for example potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increasing blood flow to the brain and heighten cognition, concentration, and neural activity. Just 100 g Zucchini contains 24 µg Folate or 6% of the recommended daily needs of folate. Also, zucchini contains vitamin B6. A deficiency has shown depression and nausea. Be sure not to consume too much. The vitamin B6 upper limit is set to 100 milligrams for adults over the age of 18, but adults do not need that much unless directed by the doctor. One cup of zucchini has 14 percent (0.2 milligrams) of the daily need for vitamin B6.

6. Slows Down Aging. The riboflavin contained in zucchini maintains the health of the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. It slows down aging by boosting athletic performance and preventing age-related memory loss and other related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Zucchini is also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These two carotenoids exhibit powerful anti-aging properties. They protect the cells of the body and the skin from free radical damage, which may otherwise lead to premature aging. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been found to lighten the skin and improve its health.

Zucchini or courgette is a summer squash which can reach nearly a meter in length but is usually harvested immature at 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches). The shape of this small summer squash resembles that of a ridged cucumber and features numerous seeds. It is also...

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